Is There a Problem with Reverse Osmosis?
So, now you know the best way to choose the best water filter for you, and how to decide on the best place for your filter. While looking at water filters, you might come across terms which sound strange or unfamiliar – what’s the difference between a reverse osmosis unit and a carbon filter, for example?
Here’s what you need to know:
Carbon Filter
This is the most common type of filter and often the cheapest. It works by absorbing contaminants from the water. Carbon filters are good at removing some metals such as lead and copper, but not heavy metals. Some models remove chlorination by-products as well, while other types remove cleaning solvents and pesticides. Carbon filters don’t remove nitrate, bacteria or dissolved metals.
The carbon canisters need to be replaced periodically.
Carbon filters are available in pitchers (jugs), on faucets (taps), on counter tops or under your sink.
Ion Exchange Unit
Ion Exchange Units are really good for “hard” water as they remove minerals, especially calcium and magnesium. Some designs also remove radium and barium, while other models remove fluoride – these models need to be refilled periodically with salt. Be aware: if your water has iron bacteria or oxidised iron, it will cause the ion exchange unit to become clogged and lose its efficiency.
Reverse Osmosis Unit
(I’ve always loved the name of this – it sounds so impressive!). In general, Reverse Osmosis units remove a wider range of contaminants than other systems. This type of unit is one of the few to get rid of colour from water. Some models remove pesticides and dioxins.
Be aware: The big downside of R.O. units is that they waste a large amount of water. However, there are some high-end “zero waste” models that recycle the water wasted in the process into other non-drinking water applications.
Distillation Unit
This is best known for removing bacteria. They boil water and then condense the resulting steam to create distilled water. Be aware: if the unit is not used for a while, bacteria may re-colonize on the coils. Also, some designs allow vaporized organic components to condense back into the water. Distillation units are not common in the USA.
Some More Tips:
Remember when looking at buying a filter, you may also need to add on the cost of installing it and plumbing it in.
These two terms are to do with where your water is placed.
- Point-of-use (POU) systems treat water at a single tap. They can be installed in the tap itself, on the counter top, or under the sink.
- Point-of-entry (POE) systems treat water used throughout the house. They are installed where the water line enters the house.
If you only drink water from one tap, and don’t want to filter the rest of the water in your home, then you will only need a POU filter. If you want all the water in your home to be filtered, including your bathroom and garden, then you will want POE.
Warm regards,
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I have long been a believer in RO Units. You are absolutely correct that they do waste a great deal of wather in the regeneration process. Looks like I need to look into the “zero waste” systems.
Thank you for presenting this very important information.
Dennis
I have known several people who have used your forums approach…especially those who use bottled water for the convenience factor ie travel, like antique dealers…and who freeze the water to keep their coolers cold. They re-use the bottles with Brita water both as a cost savings and an energy savings.
Sonya Lenzo
I love today’s post as I am thinking to one of these options.
Which one would you recommend?
Clare, thanks for sharing these great tips on eco friendlyways to filter water.
Scott Sylvan Bell
I was totally unaware of the high-end “zero waste” Reverse Osmosis models that recycle the water. I almost started installing these units but found they lost 8 gallons to produce 1 gallon of clean water and backed off because I live in the desert and all.
Yet another innovative post!
Thanks for this great information!
Does where you live affect the water?
Can you create alkaline water easily?
Looking forward to tomorrow!
Wow, I did not know that RO filters used a lot of water in the process. I had a Shaklee RO filter a long time ago and I recall the ice cubes made with water from that filter were perfectly clear. And they tasted great!
TKS
Why are the distillation filters not common in the U.S.? it would seem as if they are the most effecttive at removing what concerns us most?
Mark Hogan
Clare thanks again for going the extra mile and supplying a lot of research to help educate and help us make more educated decisions.
More great info. I know that some RO systems can waste lots of water, but a good undersink unit wastes minimal. When I looked at getting a whole house RO unit, I was appalled at the amount of water such a unit would waste.
Cherie Miranda
Holistic Health Expert
Another unbiased and highly informative article on the different types of water filters one has to choose from. Thank you for doing all the work for us and sharing your expertise with us cleary and concisely!
Stay Extraordinary and Do Great Things, Neil
Sounds like Reverse Osmosis might be the way to go. I’ve heard that distilling water removes All the minerals and basically makes it non-functional in our bodies. I may be wrong though…
Andrew
Hi Green Goddess,
We use Brita Pitchers. My NY City actress sister has been a spokesperson for Brita and in the New York Tri-State area became locally known as “The Brita Lady.” So, it’s the carbon filters. However, I am becoming concerned about the eco friendliness of the filters which we then throw away. Part of them is a hard plastic. I’m sure it never biodegrades…. What are your thoughts and advice for those long term and the environment?
Happy Dating and Relationships,
April Braswell